HOW SWEET THE SOUND (Part 4) • "It is Well with My Soul" • Barry Bandara

• This Series: In many ways, hymns are the oral history of our faith. Like the Psalms in the Bible, they are passed from generation to generation and sung in cathedrals, chapels, churches and sometimes around a family piano. This How Sweet the Sound series delves into some of those classic hymns and explore the story behind these songs. We hope it will also breathe new life into their melodies to illuminate the hope they have for us today.

 

• This Week: Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer in Chicago. His son died of pneumonia prior to Horatio’s financial disaster in the wake of the great Chicago fire of 1871. Desiring rest for his wife and four daughters, he planned a European trip for his family. Unexpectantly, he needed to remain in Chicago as he sent off his family on the ship with plans to join them shortly. On the way, the ship is struck by another ship, sinks and all four daughters drowned in the accident. His wife, Anna, survives and taken to Wales where she sends her husband a telegram that says, “Saved alone. What shall I do?” When Horatio comes upon the location where his daughters drowned, in spite of his pain, he pens the lyrics to It is well with my soul. Powerful words that tell us how God is with us in the middle of our pain.

 

Key Phrase: “Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7